Sailing Volunteers

Morvargh Sailing Project is built on the dedication of our sailing volunteers. Our voyages depend on skilled, committed people who care deeply about young people and believe in the power of Sail Training to inspire and change lives.

Every member of our sailing team contributes to a safe, supportive, and challenging environment aboard Helen Mary R. Without our volunteers, we simply could not operate.

Our sailing volunteers are collectively known as the Afterguard. The term Afterguard comes from traditional sailing ships and refers to the experienced crew working at the aft (rear) of the vessel, where the helm and decision-making take place. Today, the Afterguard are the senior team on board, including the Skipper, Mate, and Watch Officers. They are responsible for the safe running of the vessel, guiding the crew, and supporting every young person through their Sail Training journey.

On most voyages, this team is made up of volunteer:

• Skipper
• Mate
• Two Watch Officers
• Two Watch Leaders

Together, they are responsible for the vessel's safety, the crew's well-being, and the quality of the Sail Training experience.

What unites the Afterguard is not just sailing ability, but a shared commitment to youth development, safeguarding, and positive role modelling. There are two routes to becoming a sailing volunteer or a member of the Afterguard.

Route 1: Progression from trainee to Watch Leader

Many of our Watch Leaders begin their journey as trainees aboard Helen Mary R.

At the end of each voyage, the Afterguard identify young people who have demonstrated not only strong sailing ability, but also the qualities that matter most in our environment: initiative, empathy, responsibility, resilience, and the ability to support others. These individuals may be invited to return as Trainee Watch Leaders.

This invitation marks the beginning of a structured development programme.

Our Watch Leader Development Programme provides a clear, well-supported pathway, enabling young people to grow into leadership roles through experience, training, and reflection. Development occurs across multiple voyages, allowing individuals to build confidence and competence over time.

As part of this pathway, Trainee Watch Leaders are supported to:

• Work towards recognised RYA qualifications, including Start Yachting, Competent Crew, and Watch Leader
• Undertake safeguarding training and DBS checks where appropriate
• Develop leadership skills by taking responsibility for a watch under supervision
• Support, mentor, and guide other young people on board
• Build seamanship, navigation, and safety knowledge through real experience at sea

This is learning through experience. Watch Leaders are active members of the crew, developing their skills through doing, reflecting, and improving with the support of the Afterguard.

For those who wish to continue, there is a clear progression pathway through roles such as Watch Officer, Mate, and ultimately Skipper. This journey is supported through mentoring, access to further RYA qualifications, and opportunities for funded training and bursaries.

This pathway is one of the defining strengths of Morvargh Sailing Project. It creates a cycle where young people return not just to sail again, but to give back; becoming role models who lead with authenticity, grounded in their own experience of Sail Training.

Route 2: Adult sailing volunteers

We also welcome adult volunteers with existing sailing experience who want to use their skills to support young people.

To become a sailing volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Hold at least RYA Day Skipper (Sail) or be able to demonstrate relevant & equivalent experience and competence
• Have a genuine interest in working with young people

All adult volunteers undertake a clear onboarding process. This includes completing an application, undertaking a Disclosure & Barring Service check, and undertaking safeguarding training through the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) or an equivalent recognised course. These steps ensure that every member of the team is prepared to work safely and responsibly with young people.

In line with the updated MCA Sport or Pleasure Code, adult volunteers will be asked to work towards holding a valid ML5 or ENG1 medical and completing the RYA Sea Survival course. You do not need to have these in place before applying; we will guide and support you in working towards them as part of your development with us.

For those who wish to develop further, there is a defined progression pathway. Volunteers may work towards roles such as Mate, typically requiring RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, and Skipper, requiring RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with Commercial Endorsement. Throughout this journey, we place strong emphasis on readiness. Development is supported and encouraged, but responsibility is never rushed; experience, reflection, and trust are central to progression.

Beyond time at sea, volunteers are supported through our Galileo Portal, a development system designed specifically around reflective learning and continuous progression. Volunteers are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, identify areas where they feel confident, and recognise areas they would like to strengthen. Using reflective questionnaires, feedback, and personalised development tracking, the system helps shape individual training plans over time. This allows volunteers not only to build qualifications and experience but also to develop greater confidence, awareness, and leadership through meaningful reflection on each voyage.

What volunteering looks like with Morvargh

Sailing ability matters, but it is only part of the picture. We look for individuals who can communicate calmly, clearly and support young people with patience and respect. The ability to balance challenge with care is essential, as is a willingness to reflect, learn, and grow within the role. Above all, we value those who prioritise teamwork over ego and contribute positively to the onboard environment. Fun is important.

Sail Training is not about demonstrating personal ability; it is about enabling others to discover their own. While we take safety and responsibility seriously, we also recognise the importance of humour and warmth, and of creating a space where young people feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

Morvargh is volunteer-led, and we ask for a reasonable level of commitment to ensure continuity, safety, and shared responsibility.

As a member of the Afterguard, volunteers are expected to meet a set of core commitments that underpin safe and effective Sail Training. This includes taking part in the annual pre-season training weekend, typically held on the second weekend of March, contributing to the winter refit period, and sailing at least once each year to maintain familiarity, competence, and continuity within the programme.

No financial contribution is required to volunteer. You can sail as often as you like, subject to availability and suitability for voyages.

What matters most is reliability and engagement with the wider project.

All sailing volunteers are supported through a structured and ongoing approach to development. This begins with vessel familiarisation and continues with regular safety and safeguarding training, clear role definitions, and guidance. Volunteers are never left to navigate responsibility alone; support, feedback, and shared learning are central to how we operate.

Safeguarding sits at the heart of everything we do. All volunteers are expected to model appropriate behaviour, uphold clear boundaries, and contribute to an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and supported at all times.

Volunteering with Morvargh Sailing Project is demanding but deeply rewarding. It is an opportunity to be part of a close, values-driven team, working together to support young people through real challenge and meaningful growth.

I arrived in Plymouth for the Round Britain Challenge, thinking the young crew didn’t know how lucky they were. The truth was I was the lucky one.

Paul, volunteer

Along the way, volunteers develop their own skills and confidence, gain experience in leadership and responsibility, and contribute to a project that has a genuine and lasting impact.

For many, Morvargh becomes more than volunteering; it becomes a community, a shared purpose, and a place to belong.

If you are interested in becoming a sailing volunteer and feel your skills and values align with ours, we would be very pleased to hear from you. The application form can be found here